Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
